Chapter 474 Jasmine Rescues Zelda from the Asylum
Howard Douglas sat on the sofa, reading the financial newspaper.
"Ethan's startup is a real headache," Claire muttered, clearly annoyed.
"Do you think Ethan's an idiot?" Howard scoffed. "If Daniel had half his smarts, you wouldn't be stressing out."
Claire felt embarrassed. "Howard, Daniel's been working hard. He's handling all the company stuff and is very considerate. Look how attentive he is to you."
Howard dismissed her. "Forget it. He can't even do his own job well."
Claire went quiet.
"No wonder Annabelle's the smart one. She got Arnold and the Douglas Group to sign the cooperation agreement easily. If it were not for her, it wouldn't have happened," Howard said. "Now that she's pregnant, don't even think about divorce. Don't make it difficult for her."
Claire was reluctant. "We don't even know whose child it is. Her past scandals aren't good for the Douglas family's reputation."
She thought Howard cared most about the family's reputation, but he was firm. "At this critical moment, don't cause trouble."
Claire said nothing more and reluctantly massaged Howard's legs and shoulders.
"Enough, I'm not that old," Howard said, annoyed. He got up and left.
Claire was stunned. Howard's behavior had been odd lately. He used to enjoy her care, but now he seemed irritated.
As soon as Howard left, Annabelle walked in, looking smug.
Claire felt uncomfortable and snorted. "You still have the nerve to come back?"
"Of course," Annabelle said, having the maid pour her a glass of water, and sat on the sofa.
"You're not welcome here. Take your child and leave," Claire said venomously.
If she didn't get rid of Annabelle's child, Howard wouldn't let Daniel divorce her for the sake of reputation.
Annabelle laughed. "I'm pregnant with the Douglas family's child. Where do you want me to go? Mrs. Douglas, you're old. You should stay home and take care of your health instead of embarrassing yourself."
Claire was furious. "Shut up!"
Annabelle chuckled, put down her glass, and walked into her room, ignoring Claire.
Claire was left fuming, still plotting how to get Daniel and Annabelle to divorce. She wished Annabelle would get hit by a car.
Zelda was locked up in the asylum, tortured beyond recognition. She was skin and bones, with dirt under her nails. She'd tried escaping many times, but always got caught. Even a sane person would lose it in there.
She finally used some money she had stashed in a bank to bribe a new nurse to send a message to Jasmine. Despite their issues, she believed Jasmine was her only hope.
Her family had ruined her. She had to play the victim to get Jasmine's sympathy and help her escape. Then, she'd get her revenge on Annabelle and her parents. She needed to know why they treated her like this. She was their daughter too.
With hatred in her eyes, Zelda bit her finger hard, making herself vomit to get rid of the meds they forced on her.
"Zelda, someone’s here to see you."
Zelda trembled, looking warily at the door. She'd become conditioned to fear whenever someone called her name.
Jasmine arrived as soon as she got the message, her face calm and emotionless. She never thought Zelda would end up like this, but she felt no satisfaction.
"Jasmine, are you happy seeing me like this?" Zelda asked with a cold smile.
"I should be. You deserve it," Jasmine said quietly, looking at her.
It seemed only she could save Zelda now. Otherwise, Zelda wouldn't have reached out.
"What do you want me to do?" Jasmine asked, not wanting to waste time. Her five years in prison had been just as bad as this asylum.
"Get me out of here," Zelda said, her breath quickening.
"Why?" Jasmine laughed.
Now, it was her turn to look down on Zelda. The feeling wasn't pleasant. She couldn't comfortably be a bad person.
"If you save me, I'll help you. I'll do whatever you want," Zelda begged, humbled.
The once proud Harper family heiress, who wanted to crush Jasmine, was now begging like Jasmine once had.
Jasmine smiled. "You haven't been through hell yet. I have no reason to help you."
Back then, when they cornered her in an alley, she was pregnant, yet forced to kneel. They tore her clothes, and took humiliating photos of her. She was miserable. Zelda's current state was nothing compared to hers before.
"How do you know I haven't been through hell? This place isn't an asylum; it's hell! Do you want to know what I've been through here? Jasmine, I've been through a more terrifying hell!" Zelda trembled, looking unstable.
Jasmine clenched her fingers, saying nothing.
"Fine, I beg you," Zelda said, kneeling in front of Jasmine and pleading for help.
"I can save you, but you need to show me your worth," Jasmine sighed. "Everything has a price."
"The Harper family, I know their secrets. I have evidence of their illegal activities, their money laundering!" Zelda wanted to drag the Harper family down with her.
Jasmine propped her head on her hand, sitting in a chair, and smiled. "Alright, I'll get you out. You give me the evidence."
Then they would destroy the Harper family together, taking away Annabelle's only escape route.
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